Topic Contents

Pregnancy: Pelvic and Hip Pain

Topic Overview

When you are pregnant, you may get aches and pains in your
hips and pelvic area. This is a normal sign that your pelvic area is
preparing for childbirth. (This area is also called the pelvic girdle.) Pregnancy hormones are relaxing your
ligaments. This loosens up your pelvic bones so they can
shift and open for childbirth.

For pelvic girdle pain, you can try acupuncture treatments. Or you can learn pelvic
stabilizing exercises from a physical therapist. These exercises strengthen the
muscles that support your pelvis. Both acupuncture and stabilizing exercises
have been shown to reduce pelvic pain during pregnancy.footnote 1

To help manage pelvic and hip pain at home, try these tips.

Lie on your back, propped up on your
elbows or a pillow. Then squeeze a pillow between your knees. This can help realign
your pelvic bones. It may relieve your pain for a while.

Wear a
prenatal belt or girdle around your hips, under your belly. It can help stabilize your
hips.

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